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Matemwe Lodge

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Relaxed Beach Lodge
- Lovely Beach
- Lush tropical Gardens
- 12 bedroom lodge

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Overview

Matemwe Lodge is a lovely low-key relaxed beach lodge with a fantastic Zanzibar atmposphere, and lush tropical gardens that reach down to the edge of a beautiful lagoon, it is a real favourite on Zanzibar.

Matemwe Lodge has 12 chalets each built using local materials and set within lush gardens. Each of the chalets has a private veranda with hammock and sofa, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Six triple-bed chalets are available, and there are two that have a private plunge pool. The large bathrooms have a deep bathtub and walk-in shower, and beds are all enclosed by mosquito nets.

Accommodation at Matemwe Lodge is fully inclusive, with a mix of gourmet-style cooking and traditional Zanzibari cuisine with loads of seafood. The buffet-style breakfast includes fresh fruit, muffins, croissants, cereal and yoghurts as well as a full English breakfast. Lunch and dinner are three-course meals: choose between two starters, three main dishes (including a meat, fish and vegetarian option) and two desserts. Tuesdays and Fridays are barbecue night (with a range of seafood and meats) and Sunday is a Swahili buffet, offering a large selection of traditional dishes. The open-air restaurant sits just above the ocean, with magnificent views of the palm-fringed beach and gently rocking dhows.

Matemwe Beach is a pretty secluded beach on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar. It is well situated for trips to the reefs of the Mnemba Atoll for world class diving and snorkelling (30 minute boat ride). The beach is still one of the quieter and more exclusive locations on the island. Matemwe Lodge is perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow coral-fringed lagoon. The lodge is adjacent to a long stretch of beach that has not been noticeably altered by tourism and remains an important thoroughfare for locals. Fishing and seaweed harvesting are still key to the local economy. The lodge has a close relationship with the local fishing village, Matemwe Village, situated on the far side of the beach. It is home to many of the Matemwe staff and many of their children attend the local school. Matemwe is just 60 minutes’ drive from Stone Town, allowing for easy day trips into the winding streets of the historic town.

Activities available at extra cost include Snorkelling and diving at the famous reefs of Mnemba Atoll, Diving courses, Kite-surfing, Traditional sailing & fishing, Sundowner dhow trips. Scenic kayaking on the reef, village visits and guided reef walks are offered complimentary.

For families, Matemwe Lodge is a wonderfully relaxed low-key option. Most of the chalets can sleep upto a family of four, with parents in a large double in the main area of the chalet and children sleeping on the mezzanine. Those looking for more facilities might consider instead more resort-like options such as Barazza or Breezes.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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